The purpose of this study is to investigate if an angiotensin II receptor blocker, valsartan 160 mg/day is more effective to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events as compared to 40 mg/day in patients with moderate renal dysfunction.

It is well known that patients with renal dysfunction have a poor prognosis concerning cardiovascular diseases. That is called "cardiorenal syndrome". It was reported that valsartan was effective in reducing the urine albumin extraction rate in patients with hyper- or normotension. We hypothesized that valsartan was more effective to prevent cardiovascular events by the intermediary of improving renal function.

Reduced left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction [EF] equal to or less than 40%)

Hyperpotassemia (serum potassium equal to or more than 5.5 mEq/l)

Rapid progressive glomerular nephritis

Nephrotic syndrome

Renal artery stenosis

Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c equal to or more than 9.0%)

History of allergy to valsartan

Pregnant women

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00140790

Locations

Japan

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University

Kumamoto, Japan, 860-8556

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital

Kumamoto, Japan, 860-8556

Sponsors and Collaborators

Kumamoto University

Investigators

Study Chair:

Hisao Ogawa, MD, PhD

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University